Tag Archive for: Heralds

FINAL SECONDS PLAY OF LIFTS MUSTANGS PAST HERALDS

 

Orwell, Ohio-  The Grand Valley Mustangs narrowly escaped with a 63-62 victory over the Saint John Heralds in a nail-biting high school basketball game on Friday night at Grand Valley High School. Both teams brought their best effort, and the packed gymnasium was treated to a contest filled with highlight-worthy moments and high drama.

First Half

Grand Valley started strong, opening the game with an 18-9 lead after the first quarter behind a balanced offensive attack. Saint John rallied in the second quarter, led by senior Vin Narducci’s spectacular buzzer-beating, one-legged three-pointer to close the half. The momentum-shifting shot cut the Mustangs’ lead to 29-23 heading into the locker room.

Second Half

Saint John carried their newfound energy into the third quarter, outscoring Grand Valley 18-12 to pull within two points. However, the Mustangs closed the quarter with their own clutch play as Sammy Goforth drained a three-pointer in the final seconds, giving Grand Valley a slight edge heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter was a high-stakes battle, with both teams trading baskets. Narducci continued to carry the Heralds, finishing with a game-high 22 points, while teammate Dyln Newsome added 19, including a crucial three-pointer with 10.7 seconds left to bring Saint John within one, 63-62.

Final Moments

The final moments of the game were nothing short of chaotic. Following Newsome’s three-pointer, Grand Valley turned the ball over on the ensuing inbounds play, giving Saint John a chance to take the lead. The Heralds inbounded the ball, but the Mustangs’ smothering defense forced a jump ball with 4.7 seconds remaining. Saint John retained possession but was unable to capitalize as Grand Valley’s defense disrupted the inbound pass, allowing Braden Hart to secure the loose ball and dribble out the clock.

Scoring Summary

Grand Valley Mustangs

  • Carter Turk: 21 points
  • Solly Schultz: 13 points
  • Braden Hart: 11 points
  • Sammy Goforth: 8 points
  • Payton Plizga: 6 points
  • Ben Cozad: 4 points

Saint John Heralds

  • Vin Narducci: 22 points
  • Dyln Newsome: 19 points
  • Chase Newsome: 8 points
  • Aaron Wychock: 8 points
  • Grayson Petros: 3 points
  • Donald Crawford: 2 points

The Grand Valley Mustangs (12-1) will hit the road for a matchup against Fairport on January 18, while the Saint John Heralds (4-6) will look to bounce back at home against the Maplewood Rockets on January 21.

HERALDS FALL ON THE ROAD TO SKIPPERS

 

Fairport Harbor, OH – The Saint John Heralds (4-5) put up a strong fight but couldn’t overcome the Fairport Harding Skippers (8-4) in a 72-62 road loss on Thursday night at Fairport Harbor High School.

The game opened with a tightly contested first quarter, as the Skippers edged the Heralds 18-15 behind the hot hand of Brady Lawson. Lawson, who would go on to lead all scorers with 24 points, set the tone early for Fairport. Saint John countered with a balanced scoring attack, including contributions from Dylan Narducci and Vin Narducci, who would combine for 34 points in the game.

The second quarter saw Saint John take control, outscoring Fairport 18-13 to head into halftime with a narrow 33-31 lead. Grayson Petros chipped in during this stretch, scoring a total of 11 points on the night.

The third quarter proved pivotal. Fairport Harding erupted for 24 points in the frame, fueled by Lawson and strong performances from Yomar Castellano (14 points) and Jan Castellano (12 points). The Skippers’ dominance from beyond the arc helped them build a 55-46 lead going into the final quarter.

Saint John made a push in the fourth, scoring 16 points and fighting to close the gap. However, Fairport maintained their composure, adding 17 points in the quarter to secure the win. The Heralds were led in the final frame by Vin Narducci and Gus Petros, who contributed 8 points overall.

Saint John Scoring

  • Dylan Narducci: 19 points
  • Vin Narducci: 15 points
  • Grayson Petros: 11 points
  • Gus Petros: 8 points
  • Aaron Wychock: 5 points
  • Chase Newsome: 4 points

Fairport Harding Scoring

  • Brady Lawson: 24 points
  • Yomar Castellano: 14 points
  • Jan Castellano: 12 points
  • Ben Allen: 7 points
  • Shane Greenwood: 7 points
  • Isaac Robinson: 6 points
  • DJ Dambolena: 2 points

Looking Ahead

The Heralds return to action on Friday, January 17, with another road game against the red hot 11-1 Grand Valley Mustangs. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM as Saint John looks to bounce back and even their record at 5-5.

LAKERS COMEBACK IN FINAL SECONDS IN WIN OVER HERALDS

Saybrook, OH- In a thrilling NAC showdown on January 7, 2025, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers (7-2) pulled off a dramatic 63-59 victory over the Saint John Heralds (3-4). Both teams battled fiercely in a game that wasn’t decided until the final seconds, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

The Heralds came out firing, building a 14-9 lead in the opening quarter. Freshman Gus Petros, making his first varsity start, dazzled with a career-high 16 points, providing a spark for Saint John. Senior Dyln Newsome was in top form, pacing the team with 20 points, while senior Vin Narducci also found his stride scoring 12. Saint John’s energy carried them into halftime with a 26-22 advantage.

Pymatuning Valley began to turn the tide in the third quarter, thanks to the standout play of Max Smith. Smith was a force on the court, pouring in a game-high 25 points and controlling the boards to keep the Lakers within striking distance. The Lakers outscored the Heralds 19-16 in the third, narrowing the deficit to just one point, 42-41, heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter was a heart-pounding affair as both teams traded big plays and momentum. Justin Britton, who tallied 17 points on the night, delivered the defining moment. With just 10 seconds remaining and the score knotted at 59, Britton coolly sank a three-pointer to put the Lakers up 61-59. The Heralds had a chance to respond but couldn’t convert, and Ryan Croston iced the game with two clutch free throws in the closing moments. Croston finished with 14 points, while the Lakers showcased a balanced offensive attack.

Despite the tough loss, Saint John had plenty of bright spots. Petros’ breakout performance highlighted the team’s potential, while sophomore Chase Newsome contributed nine points and played a key supporting role. The Heralds showed grit and resilience against a formidable opponent.

The win bolsters Pymatuning Valley’s position as a top contender in the NAC, improving their record to 7-2. They’ll aim to carry this momentum into their next game on January 10, 2025, when they hit the road to face the Lordstown Red Devils. Meanwhile, the Heralds will look to bounce back in a highly anticipated neutral-site matchup against fellow NAC member Badger Braves on January 9, 2025, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

LADY WARRIORS STORM PAST HERALDS IN OFFENSE FILLED SHOWCASE

Story by: Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula,OH- Friday night was a celebration of basketball and community at Edgewood Gymnasium, where the Warriors hosted the Saint John Heralds in a thrilling doubleheader. With a girls’ varsity game leading into the boys’ matchup, the gym was packed with enthusiastic fans from both schools, adding to the electric atmosphere of this holiday season tradition.

In keeping with the yearly ritual, the Edgewood faithful remained silent until the Warriors scored their tenth point, a moment that unleashed an eruption of cheers. Despite opening the game with sharp three-pointers from Avery Vencill, Carly Kray, and Annie Johnston, the Warriors didn’t hit that critical tenth point until there were about four minutes left in the first quarter. The resulting roar from the crowd seemed to fuel the Warriors, who ended the quarter with a 19-12 lead.

The second quarter saw Edgewood take complete control, their defense stifling the Heralds and limiting them to just two points from Alexa Jordan. On the offensive end, the Warriors surged forward, adding 25 points to extend their halftime lead to a commanding 44-14.

Although the Heralds showed resilience after halftime, scoring 14 points in the third quarter, they were unable to close the gap. By the end of the third, the Warriors held a 63-28 advantage. Edgewood continued to press in the final quarter, ultimately sealing an 83-36 victory.

Sophomore Faith Vencill led the offensive charge for the Warriors, dominating in the paint and finishing with a game-high 26 points. She was supported by fellow sophomore Carly Kray, who added 16 points. For the Heralds, Alexa Jordan led with 13 points, while Issy Holler contributed 8.

The win marks the sixth straight for the Edgewood girls, boosting their record to 6-2. They will look to keep their momentum rolling as they face Berkshire at home on December 30. Meanwhile, the Saint John Heralds, still searching for their first win at 0-5, will aim for redemption in a home matchup against Conneaut, also on December 30.

As the holiday season unfolds, the Edgewood Warriors’ performance serves as a reminder of the power of tradition, community, and the unifying spirit of sports.

WARRIORS GRAB WIN OVER HERALDS ON ANNUAL SILENT NIGHT GAME

Story by: Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH- In the second part of Friday night’s thrilling basketball double-header, the Edgewood Boys basketball team squared off against the Saint John Heralds in a matchup that lived up to expectations. The Warriors came out firing, building a commanding 21-10 lead by the end of the first quarter, thanks largely to Mason Thorr’s dominance in the paint, scoring 10 points.

Edgewood matched their first-quarter output in the second, with three-pointers raining in from Dallas Patterson, Logan Mezak, and Riley Baldwin. By halftime, the Warriors had extended their lead to 42-23, seemingly in full control of the game.

However, the third quarter saw the Heralds’ Dyln Newsome light up the scoreboard, pouring in 12 of his game-high 29 points, including a flawless 8-for-8 performance from the free-throw line. Despite Newsome’s heroics, the Heralds still found themselves trailing 59-44 heading into the final period.

Dallas Patterson stepped up for Edgewood in the fourth quarter, scoring 9 of his team-high 19 points while coming off the bench. Mason Thorr continued his impressive night, finishing with 16 points.

Alongside Newsome’s standout performance, Vin Narducci contributed 17 points for the Heralds, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Edgewood’s firepower. The Warriors secured an 86-61 victory, capping off a successful night for Edgewood basketball.

Reflecting on the game, Warriors head coach Jay Bowler praised his team’s resilience. “I told these guys at halftime that Saint John was going to come back and punch us in the face, and they weren’t going to go away. We went on a 14-0 run after that,” Bowler said. He also highlighted Patterson’s hard work in practice, which paid off in a big way during the game.

The Warriors (2 – 5) will face West Geauga on Saturday, December 28, while the Heralds (3-3) look to bounce back when they host Pymatuning Valley on January 7.

With both Edgewood teams claiming victory on this special night, the energy and excitement in Edgewood Gymnasium showcased the passion and talent fueling this season’s basketball campaign.

HERALDS BOUNCE BACK WITH WIN OVER WILDCATS

Southington, OH- The Saint John Heralds (3-2) delivered a commanding performance on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Chalker Wildcats (2-5) by a score of 58-28. Playing on the road at Chalker High School in Southington, Ohio, the Heralds used a blistering first half to secure their third win of the season.

Game Summary

Saint John wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to a 16-7 lead in the first quarter behind crisp ball movement and efficient shooting. The Heralds turned up the heat in the second quarter, pouring in 32 points while limiting the Wildcats to just six. By halftime, Saint John held an overwhelming 48-13 advantage.

The second half saw the pace slow as the Heralds focused on maintaining their lead. Chalker managed six points in the third quarter and nine in the fourth, but the Heralds’ defense ensured the game was never in doubt.

Key Performers

  • Saint John Heralds:
    • Dyln Newsome: 21 points (3 three-pointers)
    • Vin Narducci: 13 points (3 three-pointers)
    • Grayson Petros: 12 points
    • Gus Petros: 8 points
    • Chase Newsome: 2 points
    • Don Crawford: 2 points

The Heralds were deadly from beyond the arc, hitting seven three-pointers in the game. Newsome and Narducci each contributed three of those, giving Saint John a decisive edge.

  • Chalker Wildcats:
    • Levensky: 7 points
    • Pack: 7 points
    • Karr: 6 points
    • Learn: 6 points
    • Kelson: 2 points

Next Matchups

Saint John will aim to continue their winning streak on December 27, 2024, when they travel to face the Edgewood Warriors. The Wildcats, now 2-5, will regroup over the holiday break and return to action on January 7, 2025, with a road game against the Maplewood Rockets.

With their third win, the Heralds showed their potential for the rest of the season, combining strong shooting with stifling defense to overwhelm their opponent.

LADY HERALDS FALL IN CLOSE ROAD GAME

Photo Credit: Kristy Call

VIENNA, Ohio – December 19, 2024 – In a tightly contested matchup at Mathews High School, the Saint John Heralds battled valiantly but fell just short against the Mathews Mustangs, 42-37, in a non-conference girls’ basketball game. The loss moves the Heralds to 3-2 on the season as they prepare for their next road test against the Chalker Wildcats on December 21.

Back-and-Forth Battle

The game began with promise for the Heralds, who edged out a slim 10-8 lead in the first quarter behind aggressive play from Alexa Jordan. The Mustangs roared back in the second frame, outscoring Saint John 16-6, led by standout guard Paddock, who racked up 22 points overall, including a dominant second-quarter performance.

Trailing 24-16 at halftime, the Heralds regrouped during the break and mounted a spirited comeback in the third quarter. The trio of Jordan, Izzy Holler, and Selena Park combined to lead Saint John to a 15-10 advantage in the period, trimming the deficit to just three points entering the final frame.

However, the Mustangs held their ground in the fourth quarter, with timely baskets from Ruiter and Delgarbino. Despite a late push from Jordan and Bella Stern, the Heralds couldn’t overcome Mathews’ defensive pressure and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch.

Offensive Highlights

For Saint John, Alexa Jordan delivered a stellar 13-point performance, showcasing her scoring versatility and leadership. Izzy Holler contributed 8 points, while Selena Park and Bella Stern chipped in 7 each. Marissa Arietta-Williams added 2 points and provided crucial defensive stops throughout the contest.

Mathews’ offense revolved around Paddock, who was nearly unstoppable with her 22-point effort. Ruiter added 10 points, while Delgarbino and Brown combined for another 10 to help seal the victory.

Looking Ahead

The Heralds will aim to bounce back on Saturday when they travel to face the Chalker Wildcats. With adjustments and renewed focus, Saint John looks poised to return to the win column and continue their strong start to the season.

HERALDS GRAB 2ND WIN WITH AFTER LATE GAME PUSH

Windham, OH- The Saint John Heralds (2-1) secured an impressive road win over the Windham Bombers (2-1) on December 17, 2024, prevailing 71-66 in a tightly contested matchup at Windham High School.

The Heralds were powered by an outstanding performance from junior guard Dyln Newsome, who led all scorers with 29 points. Grayson Petros provided a strong supporting effort, contributing 17 points to the offensive attack. Aaron Wychock added 11 points, further bolstering Saint John’s scoring depth.

Other key contributors for the Heralds included Vin Narducci with 5 points, Chase Newsome with 4, Donald Crawford with 2, and Gus Petros with 3. The team showcased a balanced scoring effort and steady play to outlast the Bombers down the stretch.

The victory improves the Heralds’ record to 2-1 on the season, while Windham falls to 2-1. Saint John will look to continue their momentum when they travel to take on the Mathews Mustangs on December 20, 2024.

HERALDS SLAY DRAGONS FOR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

Cleveland, OH — December 14, 2024

The Saint John Heralds evened their record to 1-1 on Saturday evening with a 65-57 victory over the Horizon Science Dragons. Playing on the road at Horizon Science Academy High School, the Heralds led from start to finish, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and unwavering defense.

Senior Dyln Newsome was unstoppable, leading all scorers with 25 points. His dynamic play in the paint and midrange set the tone early and kept the Dragons on their heels throughout the game. Sophomore Chase Newsome chipped in 11 points, continuing to prove himself as a key contributor alongside the senior core.

The Heralds started strong in the opening quarter, outscoring the Dragons and never looked back. They maintained control with consistent play through all four quarters. Senior guard Vin Narducci added 12 points, bringing leadership and scoring when the team needed it most. Grayson Petros contributed 9 points with a mix of jumpers and tough inside baskets, while forward Aaron Wychock rounded out the scoring effort with 6 points.

Scoring Breakdown for Saint John:

  • Dyln Newsome: 25 points
  • Vin Narducci: 12 points
  • Chase Newsome: 11 points
  • Grayson Petros: 9 points
  • Aaron Wychock: 6 points

The Heralds’ balanced offense was matched by their defensive intensity. They held off several second-half runs by the Dragons, refusing to relinquish their lead. Horizon Science made a push late in the game, but Saint John’s composure at the free-throw line and disciplined play secured the win.

With this victory, the Heralds build momentum heading into another road matchup against the Windham Bombers on Tuesday, December 17. The team will look to continue refining its play as they aim for a second consecutive win.

HERALDS STUMBLE LATE IN SEASON OPENER

Bristolville, OH — The Saint John Heralds opened their 2024-25 basketball season on Tuesday night with a road matchup against the Bristol Panthers. Despite a strong offensive effort led by their senior core, the Heralds couldn’t keep pace with Bristol’s fast transition game, ultimately falling 77-57.

Bristol relied on their speed and relentless transition offense to gain the upper hand, outscoring Saint John 14-10 in the first quarter. The Heralds responded with a strong 22-point second quarter, but Bristol maintained control by matching their scoring output and heading into halftime with a 40-32 lead.

Both teams traded buckets in a balanced third quarter, each putting up 16 points, but Bristol’s pace overwhelmed the Heralds in the fourth. The Panthers closed out the game with a 21-9 run, using fast breaks and quick ball movement to seal the victory.

Senior Dylan Newsome led the Heralds with 13 points, showing his scoring versatility. Fellow seniors Grayson Petros and Vin Narducci each added 11 points, with Narducci connecting on one of the team’s four three-pointers. Senior Aaron Wychock chipped in three points, playing a solid role on defense.

Sophomore Chase Newsome added 11 points, including two three-pointers, and Junior Don Crawford contributed six points, rounding out Saint John’s offensive efforts.

The Heralds hit four three-pointers in total, with two from Chase Newsome and one apiece from Dylan Newsome and Vin Narducci. While the scoring was well-distributed, Saint John struggled to match Bristol’s tempo in transition, which proved to be the difference in the game.

The loss drops the Heralds to 0-1, but they’ll look to regroup quickly as they head back on the road to face the Horizon Science Academy Dragons on Saturday, December 14.